Photos

My mother, Doris Entwistle, had a cup identical to this. She said all babies born in Darwen in 1908 were given one of these cups.

The Mayor at the time was George Pickup Holden and in 1908 Darwen had just adopted The Early Notification of Birth Act which required parents to notify the Medical Office of Health within 36 hours that a birth had taken place. Once the the MOD became aware of the birth he arranged for the newly appointed health visitor to visit the family and give advice on the care of the new born. This was an attempt to reduce infant mortality. At the end of the 19th century about 20% of infants never lived to see their first birthday.

George Pickup Holden paid for the sliver plated cups out of his own pocket and were given to parent who allowed the health visitor to visit. The scheme only started in February 1908 and ended at the end of Holden's term as Mayor in November 1908. I have calculated that between 600 - 700 births took place during this period but there are no records as to how many cup were given out. (Thanks to Tony Foster for this information.)